HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – An unassuming retail storefront on Fort Campbell Boulevard transports visitors into magical realms. The husband-and-wife team behind the new Green Goblins Guild welcome in fans of tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering to build community connections and inspire creativity.

“We are sort of ‘nerd central’, so we are all things tabletop gaming,” Lydia Ross told Christian County Now. Opening this space has been a dream of her and her husband, Joshua, since they first met around 20 years ago. “This has been the goal, and I think Hopkinsville needed this space.”

Her passion for D&D started when she was very young playing in her family’s ongoing campaign. On the flip side, her husband Joshua first fell in love with the genre through Magic cards at a young age, which eventually evolved into a passion and interest for many different games.

Their expertise extends anywhere from Pokémon, Warhammer, miniature painting and more niche adventure games. While there are other hobby stores in the area, Green Goblins Guild hosts recurring game nights where people can come in and play together in a welcoming and friendly environment.

“It’s amazing to realize your dream and then to see other people excited to participate in your dream…the people have been amazing,” said Joshua, explaining that he sees people shed away the layers of their day-to-day lives when they come in.

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So far people of all demographics have come through, ranging from teenagers to middle aged players. Lydia said that since they opened, they have seen friendships and relationships form as players get to know each other over time.

“It’s a lot of imagination and a lot of whimsy and a lot of what people are kind of missing these days,” Lydia added. “Have a little fun, play a game, imagine you’re an elf in a forest with a bow or you’re an AdMech in another world. It’s just fun!”

As far as retail goes, they try to keep the latest items stocked and also work with customers to special order items as needed. Beyond games, they provide several pounds of colorful, unique dice each week that are prominently displayed in the store along with other figurines and collectables.

“I would encourage people to come and to be themselves,” Lydia said, adding that they welcome players of all skill levels including beginners. Moving forward in their business, they are both looking forward to continuing to grow their community and further collaborate with other local businesses.

Find information about upcoming special events and their regular schedule on the Green Goblins Guild Facebook page, or visit their website. They are located at 4156 Fort Campbell Boulevard in Hopkinsville near Clinic Drive.

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